Tracking the reconstruction of visual memories in human brain and behaviour

18 June 2024

Colloquium by Prof. Dr. Maria Wimber, Neuroscience and Psychology Dept, University of Glasgow

Abstract:

Memories are not exact replicas of the events we originally experience. How does the brain, step-by-step, reconstruct information about past events, and what features are preferentially recalled? In this talk, I will give an overview of our work investigating how memory for visual stimuli systematically differs from perception in terms of its feature processing hierarchy and temporal dynamics. The findings, using pattern analysis of electrophysiological and fMRI data as well as behavioural reaction time analyses, highlight two prominent characteristics of memory recall.

First, when the hippocampus reactivates a previously stored visual memory, the information flow in neocortex tends to follow a reverse feature processing hierarchy compared to initial perception, starting with the reconstruction of high-level conceptual image features, and ending with low-level perceptual detail. We also find consistent evidence for a representational shift towards conceptual features (“semanticisation”) over longer consolidation periods and with repeated, active recall.

Second, memory reactivation is rhythmic, as visible in brain and behaviour, in line with models suggesting that the hippocampal theta rhythm orchestrates the timing of memory reactivation relative to incoming sensory input, and can help segregate overlapping, competing memories. Together, these findings emphasise the dynamic and reconstructive nature of our memories and inform computational theories of memory recall.

More information about the speaker can be found here.

Date and time: 18 June 2024, 12:00 p.m., Von-Melle-Park 5, William-Stern-Room (4054) Universität Hamburg